Latest Incident and Event Information

This section provides information on the latest incidents and issues which you should be aware of, giving links to further sources of information.

These incidents or issues are high profile in the media and subject to regular Government and Council resilience planning.

Current high profile risks and incidents are:

Pandemic Influenza

A pandemic influenza is flu that spreads rapidly, causing widespread epidemics around the world. These flu pandemics are in addition to the ‘ordinary’ or ‘seasonal’ flu outbreaks. The pandemics occur infrequently but they can be highly infectious and dangerous as people lack immunity to the new stain(s) of the virus.

Please see further information on pandemic influenza

Avian Influenza

On 20 November 2008 the UK became officially free from avian influenza (AI), according to the rules laid down by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). It is vital that all bird keepers in the UK continue to practice the highest levels of biosecurity and be vigilant for any signs of disease. If you are concerned about the health of your birds you should seek advice from your veterinary surgeon. If you suspect that your birds have avian influenza, you should report it to your local Animal Health Office immediately.

Blue Tongue

As at 17:00 on 14 November 2008 there were 148 confirmed premises affected by Bluetongue (BTV8) in England and Wales.

The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) continue to test all susceptible animals imported to the UK from continental Europe, for all strains of Bluetongue. Defra continues to urge industry to consider the risks and check the health and vaccination status of animals when sourcing any animals, from within the UK or abroad.  

Bluetongue is a disease of animals. it does not affect humans. People who have visited an affected premise do not need to be concerned that there is any risk to their health.

Further information